Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Introduction

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful fall treat, combining moist spiced pumpkin cake with a rich, tangy frosting. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying any time you crave cozy flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add the pumpkin puree, white sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
7. Step 7: To prepare the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
8. Step 8: Add vanilla extract, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth and spreadable.
9. Step 9: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars.
10. Step 10: Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients.
• Use a blend of brown and white sugar for a richer taste.
• Try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the butter to ½ cup.

Storage

Store the pumpkin bars covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, but fresh pumpkin should be cooked and pureed until smooth before using. The texture may vary slightly from canned pumpkin, but it works well.

Can these bars be frozen?

Absolutely. Freeze the unfrosted bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

These Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting offer a moist and flavorful twist on traditional pumpkin dessert bars. Made with warm spices and a creamy, tangy frosting, they are perfect for autumn gatherings or as a delightful treat any time of the year.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1.5 cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add the pumpkin puree, white sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir all ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.
4. Incorporate Dry with Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain tender bars.
5. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool Completely: Allow the pumpkin bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
7. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
8. Frost the Bars: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bars with a spatula.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

• For a more pronounced spice flavor, consider adding nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon.
• Ensure the bars are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting or sliding of the frosting.
• These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: pumpkin bars, cream cheese frosting, pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, spiced pumpkin bars, easy pumpkin bars